Honor and support those who served

Veterans Memorial Building filled to capacity for an hour Sunday for Veterans Day Observances, hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 11166, American Legion Post 96 and their auxiliaries.

During moments of silence in the room, one could hear the squeak of swingsets and sound of children playing at the neighboring Wiggly Giggly playground.

Following entrance of the Color Guard, Post 96 Commander Bob Miller noted that every Nov. 11 at 11 a.m., U.S. citizens commemorate the service of veterans of all wars.

"We remember how men and women set aside their civilian pursuits to serve their nations cause, defending the freedom of mankind and preserving our precious American heritage," he said. "We believe our determination made us better warriors because we fought with our minds and our hearts, as well as our bodies. We recognize that service to our country does not end with termination of our military service."

VFW Post 11166 Commander Dave Van Meter spoke to veterans, saying that no matter how or when they served and earned an honorable discharge, he is thankful and proud to have served among them.

"A real brother walks with you when the rest of the world walks on you," Van Meter said.

Carol Brown, VFW Auxiliary president, noted that along with the support families, veterans deserve the support and gratitude of the entire community.

VFW Auxiliary member Barbara Steckler noted that many veterans sacrificed their lives for others to be here today. She noted an email she'd received showing photos of a group in Santa Barbara that constructs and removes a memorial on the beach every weekend.

"There is a veterans group that places a cross and candle there for every soldier lost in Iraq and Afghanistan," she said. "Guys sleep in the sand next to it every night to ensure no one messes with it. Every cross has a name, rank, date of birth and date of death on it."

As the band played a medley of military songs, members of each branch stood and saluted.

A traditional bell-ringing ceremony featured a roll call of names of fallen soldiers to the solemn response, "no answer."

Former marine and National Guardsman Dan Maxie noted that he had just returned from a six-month appointment in Afghanistan and has live in Westport for over 23 years. After explaining his various and many services, Maxie expressed gratitude for the support he's received from the local American Legion and VFW posts. Maxie gave post commanders commemorative flags from his service overseas and returned a K-bar knife, carried in Vietnam, to VFW Quartermaster Rick Cooper. Cooper explained a Marine tradition that those who have served in battle to leave "the new guy" something to protect himself.

Veterans Services representative Ulysses Lopez asked that the community take the day to remember the fallen.

Fourth District Supervisor-elect Dan Gjerde refrained from speaking, due to a cold. Mayor Dave Turner thanked all who came and said the community supports its veterans.

Police Lt. John Naulty noted how the sacrifices of all veterans have served to provide the freedoms Americans share. He also noted that veterans' organizations continue to provide for their communities in times of peace and during emergencies.

Congressional field representative Christine Anderson read a letter from Congressman Mike Thompson, which urged support of care services and quality employment to veterans.

"We've restored the promise of a full, four-year college education to veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and their families through the new GI bill," it read. "We've provided cash incentives for businesses who put unemployed veterans back to work and for job training." Thompson's letter also said veterans are being given opportunities to work in the field of energy and that veteran-owned small businesses are given the federal support they need to compete. Other programs have reduced the numbers of homeless veterans, he wrote.

The letter said that even though he has been redistricted out of the area, he will continue to work on behalf of veterans and their families.

A POW/MIA table ceremony remembered Prisoner of War and those Missing in Action with a table set for them in their absence. Service members placed a cap for each of six place settings, representing each branch of service, including the Merchant Marines.

A flag, which had been unfolded during the bell-ringing was refolded, along with a detailed explanation of the meaning behind each of the 13 triangular folds.

The middle and high school music programs came together to provide music for the ceremony.